38As regards the meaning of the term ‘discard’, it also follows from that case-law that that term must be interpreted in the light of the aim of Directive 2006/12, which, in the words of recital 2 in the preamble to the directive, consists in the protection of human health and the environment against harmful effects caused by the collection, transport, treatment, storage and tipping of waste, having regard to Article 191(2) TFEU, which provides that European Union policy on the environment is to aim at a high level of protection and is to be based, in particular, on the precautionary principle and the principle that preventive action should be taken. It follows that the term ‘discard’, and therefore the concept of ‘waste’ within the meaning of Article 1(1)(a) of Directive 2006/12, cannot be interpreted restrictively (see, to that effect, Commune de Mesquer, paragraphs 38 and 39).
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